Targett won the Saints' Young player of the Season prize for 2014/15, joining an illustrious list of players to win the award, and Hale believes that recognition was fully deserved.

Hale says that Targett is a player who embodies what Southampton look for in their youngsters, and he is excited for his future at St. Mary's.

“The winner of this award stands for everything that we say in the Academy," Hale said. "He was aged eight when he joined us, made his first-team debut last summer, represented England at Under-19, 20 and 21 and signed a contract extension at the turn of the year. He’s everything we stand for in the Academy.”

To win Southampton's young player of the season award is a major achievement for any player, as the Saints have so much talent in their youth ranks.

The likes of Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all developed at Southampton in recent times and Targett could be the next star that the south coast club produce.

John Verrall

John is a sports journalism graduate from Staffordshire University. He is a huge football fan and a minute-by-minute writer for UEFA.com, as well as being a freelance writer for Sports New Media. John has also seen his work been published by the likes of The Guardian, World Soccer and Shoot Magazine over the course of his bourgeoning journalism career so far. He has a particular expertise in all things to do with the Football League – and is a passionate Peterborough United fan.